Thankamani (film)

Thankamani marks the first collaboration of Ratheesh Reghunandan, who previously directed Udal (2022), with Dileep.[3] It is produced by R. B. Choudary under the banner Super Good Films, in association with Iffaar Media of Raaffi Mathirra.[4] It will be the 97th production of Super Good Films and the 18th production of Iffaar Media.[5] The film was tentatively titled D 148, as it is the 148th film of Dileep.[6] The film was officially announced on 27 January 2023 in Kochi with a pooja ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza hotel.[7][8] Joshiy inaugurated the function by lighting the Nilavilakku, while Jiiva performed the switch-on, and producer Raaffi Mathirra gave the first clap.[9] The official title Thankamani was announced on 4 September 2023.[10] In order to shoot the action sequences, the makers have hired action directors like Siva, Supreme Sundar, Rajashekhar and Mafia Sasi.[11][12]

After her previous appearance in Paappan (2022), Neeta Pillai signed to play the female lead.[13][14] Pranitha Subhash, who is making her debut in Malayalam cinema, was cast to play another female lead.[15]

Principal photography commenced with the first schedule on 28 January 2023 at CMS College Kottayam, and reportedly, around 500 junior artists were involved.[16][17] Dileep joined the shoot in the first week of February.[18] Erattupetta, Kanjirappally, Koottickal, Poonjar, Kuttikkanam and Peermade were other prominent filming locations.[19] The first schedule was completed on 8 March 2023 after a 40-day shoot.[20][21] The crew began the second schedule on 8 May 2023 in Kattappana and nearby locations.[22][19] With the help of art director Manu Jagath, a set was constructed on 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) of land near Kattappana to shoot some important scenes, involving a thousand junior artists for 15 days.[20][16] The shooting wrapped up on 17 August 2023 in Kattappana.[23][24]